Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena checks all the boxes to have “good ice,” as NHL players call it.

It’s located in a relatively cool climate. It’s monitored by brand-new technology. It’s not home to an NBA team, so the ice isn’t being regularly covered up by a basketball court.

But there’s just one problem: The ice is created with rainwater collected off the roof in stereotypically eco-friendly Seattle fashion. That makes a difference, hurting the arena’s standing in the league’s ice hierarchy.

“It’s not the same,” said former Kraken forward Colin Blackwell, now with the Blackhawks. “It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t that great.”

Many NHL players think about this subject much more than they publicly admit, and with good reason.

Just like the outfield dimensions at major-league stadiums, the qualities of ice in NHL arenas — smoothness, hardness, resilience over the course of each period — can vary widely.

“[It’s best] when the puck is moving really crisp and flat, [with] not too many bumps, and it’s fast, not slow,” defenseman Caleb Jones said. “You hear some guys say, ‘The ice is slow’ when it feels sluggish. It [should be] really crisp. You feel like your blades are on top of the ice.”

Added forward Patrick Kane: “Just smooth, hard ice [is best]. You’re able to feel it without having to look down and worry about going over any ruts or anything like that.”

Everyone has specific preferences.

“It varies [from] guy to guy, for sure,” forward Reese Johnson said. “Some guys will think certain ice surfaces are good, and you come off and you’re like, ‘What the heck?’ ”

Canada tends to dominate the consensus rankings. Montreal’s Bell Centre, Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre and Edmonton’s Rogers Place were mentioned by far the most often in the Hawks’ locker room.

Whether or not the arena employees and Zamboni drivers in Canada are more knowledgeable and experienced, those arenas also benefit from their frigid climates and relatively limited non-hockey event schedules. The latter factor might actually matter more than the former. Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, home to the Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Raptors, was tellingly never mentioned.

On the other hand, it’s hardly a surprise that New York’s Madison Square Garden, Boston’s TD Garden and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena frequently were named the worst. Those arenas host something almost every night.

“It’s just harder for teams that are in warmer places,” forward MacKenzie Entwistle said. “The humidity gets to [the ice]. You even notice it [in Chicago] when the temperature is changing in the spring — the ice gets a little more soft and chewed up a little bit easier.

“[In] L.A., it’s also too many concerts. Like [at] MSG, there’s three things a day, so the ice always has things on top of it.”

The temporarily installed ice at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, where the Hawks hosted a preseason game, supposedly was awful. Defenseman Seth Jones couldn’t restrain himself from mentioning during his Oct. 2 postgame news conference that it “wasn’t fantastic by any means.”

Blackwell said the ice at the Islanders’ dilapidated former home, the Nassau Coliseum, was the worst he’d skated on in his life.

Johnson was worried when the surface at Carolina’s PNC Arena felt slushy for the Hawks’ Dec. 27 morning skate, but conditions improved by game time.

Kane, meanwhile, offered positive reviews for the ice at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center — although he might be somewhat biased as a hometown kid — and Minnesota’s XCel Energy Center.

Ultimately, sometimes the best ice feels “just like a backyard rink back in the day,” in Johnson’s words: cold, hard and unforgiving.

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Benet was faced with a unique situation on Saturday. It’s highly unusual for a high school coach to guarantee a victory against an opponent.

That’s what Kenwood coach Mike Irvin did on Friday after his team lost to Camden, NJ.

“I’m going into that hostile environment and coming out with a win,” Irvin said. “I’m guaranteeing victory tomorrow.”

That didn’t happen. The No. 1 Broncos never led at any point and lost 67-53.

“Our kids were aware of [Irvin’s statement],” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “We had to take care of our business. We didn’t play well [Friday] night and we knew we were playing one of the best teams in the state on our home floor. Just the actual experience to play in this packed gym is something our kids will never forget.”

Brady Kunka was the star for the No. 4 Redwings (22-1). The senior scored 24 points, shooting 5 for 8 from three-point range. He also had four rebounds. Benet doesn’t have any post players, so crashing the boards and defending the interior was a key focus.

“We all saw [Irvin’s comments] last night,” Kunka said. “We addressed it as a team and moved on. And once we got the momentum there was no looking back.”

Benet point guard Brayden Fagbemi scored 15 and handled Kenwood’s pressure with ease. Senior Niko Abusara added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Redwings.

Benet led 36-31 at halftime. Kenwood (16-5) hung around within five or six points for most of the third quarter. The Redwings grabbed a 54-41 advantage on a three by Andy Nash with 5:40 left to play and sailed from there.

“It was a packed house like I’ve never seen before,” Kunka said. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us as a team. It just feels great.”

Calvin Robins Jr. led the Broncos with 15 points and nine rebounds and Chris Riddle added 10 points. Kansas State recruit Dai Dai Ames, one of the state’s most talented guards, scored eight.

“[Abusara] did a great job [defending Ames],” Fagbemi said. “But we all made sure we had eyes on him. It’s a five-on-five game and one person is not going to beat us.”

Irvin and Kenwood began the week celebrating the school’s first time with the No. 1 ranking. The Broncos played three exciting games this weekend: a neighborhood rivalry against Hyde Park, a showcase against the top player in the country, and a road game in a sold-out suburban gym in front of all the area’s hoop heads.

That’s an incredibly exciting fun stretch for any high school team. But the Broncos lost all three games, including the one Irvin guaranteed they would win. So, what now?

“We are young,” Irvin said. “I’m trying to win a state championship. To win a state championship you have to experience this. Going back-to-back-to-back means we don’t have walkthroughs and we can’t really break down the opponents. It’s a process. We are going to regroup. We’re still good. But the preparation that we should have had was not there. But I’d do it all over again, those were worthwhile games.”

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ST. LOUIS — Blackhawks rookie goaltender Jaxson Stauber rested in proposal position — with one knee on the ice — just inside the red line at Enterprise Center on Saturday morning.

His eyes watched the power-play drill in front of him, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. Hawks goalie coach Jimmy Waite had told him Friday night that he’d make his NHL debut against the Blues — in what turned out to be a 5-3 Hawks win — but it probably felt more real in that moment.

Once puck drop came around, though, Stauber was unfazed by the bright lights. He made his first career save on Brandon Saad eight seconds in and his first big save on Ivan Barbashev five minutes later. He finished with 28 stops.

Goaltending issues instead appeared on the opposite end of the rink, as the Hawks chased Blues stalwart Jordan Binnington by scoring four times on seven shots. Jason Dickinson snapped his 30-game goal drought and Sam Lafferty snapped the Hawks’ 38-game shorthanded goal drought.

The Blues temporarily cut the Hawks’ 4-1 lead to 4-3 in the third period, but an important insurance goal by Max Domi helped the Hawks continue their unexpected January surge, winning for the sixth time in seven games.

Stauber, a 23-year-old undrafted free-agent signing out of Providence, is the son of former NHL goalie Robb Stauber, who played 62 games for the Kings and Sabres in the 1990s.

Hawks coach Luke Richardson said that connection likely gives Stauber some experience beyond his own, which — at the pro level — previously consisted of just 12 AHL games (in which he went 6-4-0 with an .896 save percentage).

The Hawks expect Petr Mrazek to start Sunday against the Kings. Prospect goalie Arvid Soderblom returned Friday for Rockford after missing a month with a groin injury but looked rusty.

Phillips thinking fast

Hawks prospect defenseman Isaak Phillips has been in the NHL more than a month now — Saturday marked his 11th game — and has settled into a rhythm.

“The first couple games I was not nervous per se, but not holding onto [the puck] or not making the right read, just trying to get it out of my hands,” Phillips said. “I am confident with my ability — I can skate with the puck and then make the pass. I definitely feel like I’m coming into my own.

“It’s not like I’m sitting on the bench, just watching and going, ‘Oh my god, I’m here.’ I’m meant to be here. This is where I belong.”

He tallied his fourth point of the season with an assist Saturday and also dropped the gloves without hesitation for his first NHL fight, although it didn’t go very well against Barbashev.

He can shoot, too — deceptively well for a defenseman. His slap shot from the point comes with pace and power, and his first NHL goal last weekend against the Kraken was a perfectly placed backhander in tight.

The biggest thing the 21-year-old Canadian has learned is how quickly a play can develop in the NHL. This isn’t his first taste — he made four appearances early last season — but he has been given a much longer leash during this stint.

“You can’t take a second off,” he said. “The second there’s a guy behind you, you can’t just watch the puck and relax — then it’s in your net. … [I’m] trying to go out every shift and just remember, ‘This is it. The game is on the line.’ That just helps me stay ready.”

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ST. LOUIS — Blackhawks rookie goaltender Jaxson Stauber rested in proposal position — with one knee on the ice — just inside the red line at Enterprise Center on Saturday morning.

His eyes watched the power-play drill in front of him, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. Hawks goalie coach Jimmy Waite had told him Friday night that he’d make his NHL debut against the Blues — in what turned out to be a 5-3 Hawks win — but it probably felt more real in that moment.

Once puck drop came around, though, Stauber was unfazed by the bright lights. He made his first career save on Brandon Saad eight seconds in and his first big save on Ivan Barbashev five minutes later. He finished with 28 stops.

Goaltending issues instead appeared on the opposite end of the rink, as the Hawks chased Blues stalwart Jordan Binnington by scoring four times on seven shots. Jason Dickinson snapped his 30-game goal drought and Sam Lafferty snapped the Hawks’ 38-game shorthanded goal drought.

The Blues temporarily cut the Hawks’ 4-1 lead to 4-3 in the third period, but an important insurance goal by Max Domi helped the Hawks continue their unexpected January surge, winning for the sixth time in seven games.

Stauber, a 23-year-old undrafted free-agent signing out of Providence, is the son of former NHL goalie Robb Stauber, who played 62 games for the Kings and Sabres in the 1990s.

Hawks coach Luke Richardson said that connection likely gives Stauber some experience beyond his own, which — at the pro level — previously consisted of just 12 AHL games (in which he went 6-4-0 with an .896 save percentage).

The Hawks expect Petr Mrazek to start Sunday against the Kings. Prospect goalie Arvid Soderblom returned Friday for Rockford after missing a month with a groin injury but looked rusty.

Phillips thinking fast

Hawks prospect defenseman Isaak Phillips has been in the NHL more than a month now — Saturday marked his 11th game — and has settled into a rhythm.

“The first couple games I was not nervous per se, but not holding onto [the puck] or not making the right read, just trying to get it out of my hands,” Phillips said. “I am confident with my ability — I can skate with the puck and then make the pass. I definitely feel like I’m coming into my own.

“It’s not like I’m sitting on the bench, just watching and going, ‘Oh my god, I’m here.’ I’m meant to be here. This is where I belong.”

He tallied his fourth point of the season with an assist Saturday and also dropped the gloves without hesitation for his first NHL fight, although it didn’t go very well against Barbashev.

He can shoot, too — deceptively well for a defenseman. His slap shot from the point comes with pace and power, and his first NHL goal last weekend against the Kraken was a perfectly placed backhander in tight.

The biggest thing the 21-year-old Canadian has learned is how quickly a play can develop in the NHL. This isn’t his first taste — he made four appearances early last season — but he has been given a much longer leash during this stint.

“You can’t take a second off,” he said. “The second there’s a guy behind you, you can’t just watch the puck and relax — then it’s in your net. … [I’m] trying to go out every shift and just remember, ‘This is it. The game is on the line.’ That just helps me stay ready.”

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At its highest level, high school basketball is about possibility. It’s usually referred to as potential. How good can a “prospect” become? What level can he play at in college? Will he eventually play in the NBA?

Jeremy Fears Jr.’s college future is set. He’s signed with Michigan State. He’s not the most talented player the area has ever produced, but he is one of the most intriguing. And perhaps the most confident. With his skill and uncommon level of self-confidence, Fears’ possibilities seem limitless.

It’s incredibly rare to see a high school player with Fears’ belief in himself and command over the game. It was on display Saturday against Young in the When Sides Collide Shootout at Benet as No. 9 Joliet West held on to beat the No. 3 Dolphins 61-59.

The Tigers (17-5) led by 14 points early in the third quarter. Young soared back and cut the lead to just three heading into the fourth quarter.

At that moment, Fears put a stranglehold on the game. He orchestrated every possession for Joliet West, often not passing a single time before finding his way to the rim for a basket or a foul or pulling up for a jumper.

It wasn’t selfish play. It was dominant, winning basketball. Fears’ time at a prep school, La Lumiere in Indiana, has clearly made the normal high school game slower for him. He’s a step ahead of everyone.

“I was just trying to make the best play and do whatever I can to win the game,” Fears said. “I know my team trusts me and relies on me to make big plays. I was able to do that. I couldn’t lose this game. Because we let one slip away from us last Friday.”

Fears finished with 28 points and seven rebounds. He scored 11 in the fourth quarter and assisted on two of the other three baskets Joliet West scored.

Fears isn’t sure how he developed his confidence. His father, Jeremy Sr. was a star player at Joliet Township, Ohio University and Bradley.

“Maybe it’s just from when I was young and loving the game of basketball,” Fears said. “I put in so much work and so much time that I have ultra-confidence. That was one of the main reasons I came back [to Joliet West]. [Coach Jeremy Kreiger] gives me the green light. He trusts me and I trust him.”

Junior Justus McNair scored 17 and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Tigers. Sophomore Jeremiah Fears added 11 points and five rebounds.

McNair’s rebounds were a significant factor in the victory. Rebounding has been an issue in Joliet West’s losses this season.

“He’s been caught up in his ability to score [recently],” Kreiger said. “Not in his ability to impact the game by scoring. Last year it was his defense and rebounding that had him projected as a Division I player. Once he got back to being true to who he was a sophomore it changed us.”

Antonio Munoz led Young (17-5) with 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. It was one of the best performances by a sophomore in a high-profile game this season. Seniors Daniel Johnson and Dalen Davis each scored 13 for the Dolphins.

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Rolling Meadows’ starting five is as good as any team in the state. And the Mustangs have something no one else does, Cam Christie.

The Minnesota recruit was spectacular on Saturday in Lisle, scoring 31 points. He may be the state’s most difficult player to shut down. Brother Rice’s Peter McShane actually did an admirable job defending Christie, but there isn’t much you can do against a tremendous shooter that’s 6-6 and athletic.

“Christie is amazing,” Brother Rice senior Ahmad Henderson said. “He makes so many tough shots. I think we did a great job on him but he can score in so many different ways.”

But it wasn’t enough for Rolling Meadows. Brother Rice took control in the final two minutes to grab a 64-59 victory at the When Sides Collide Shootout at Benet.

The Crusaders were able to rest most of their top players for a stretch of the second quarter and received major contributions from eight players. Rolling Meadows’ achilles heel is depth. The Mustangs played seven guys total and didn’t make a substitution in the second half.

“It’s on the six guys that play,” Christie said. “We have to do a better job of staying in shape. There’s just no excuse. It’s only 32 minutes. You have to be able to play hard all 32 minutes.”

Henderson led Brother Rice (20-3) with 20 points. He scored 10 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to help provide the Crusaders with the game-winning cushion.

Zavier Fitch added 12 points and six rebounds for Brother Rice, Cale Cosme scored 10 and Nick Niego came off the bench to drain four three-pointers.

Rolling Meadows (20-3) led by one point at halftime and 48-47 after three quarters. Brother Rice opened the fourth with an 8-0 run that included three pointers from Niego and Henderson.

The Crusaders shot 4 of 4 from the free-throw line in the final 19 seconds to seal the win.

Brother Rice has been highly ranked all season, but there seems to be a feeling that it isn’t one of the area’s elite teams. And the Crusaders were upset by Loyola on Friday. This win against Christie and Rolling Meadows at one of the season’s major events may begin to change opinions.

“This is a big win against a team that is ranked over us,” Henderson said. “But we are focused on playing our best ball later in the season. That’s what coach has been preaching.”

Mark Nikolich-Wilson, a 6-8 senior, had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Rolling Meadows and 6-7 senior Tsvet Sotirov added 10 points.

“We missed some shots today that we typically make,” Katovich said. “We just have to get back and focus on some fundamental things we didn’t do well. But this game is going to help us in the long run.”

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A former Chicago Bears defensive back lands a job with the Tennessee Titans after the Bears asked to interview him

The Chicago Bears have put in a few requests for interviews as they are looking for a new defensive backs coach with James Rowe’s departure.

Chicago has already put in a request for Green Bay’s defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray. They have also put in a request for Chris Harris, a former safety who spent time with the Bears in the 2000’s. While the news has been quiet on Gray, it appears as if the Bears missed out on Harris.

NFL reporter Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Tennessee Titans are planning on hiring Harris as defensive pass game coordinator/cornerbacks coach:

There was also speculation that Chicago could move on from defensive coordinator Alan Williams after one year. But that is unlikely to happen as the Bears will run it back with Williams.

The need for a defensive backs coach still remains, however. And it will be interesting to see the candidates Chicago brings in and who eventually gets hired.

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